THE LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP OF SEROCONVERSION RATE OF HEPATİT C VIRUS IN CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS CASES

The long term follow-up (1-4 years) of Hepatit C virus seroconversion rate was investigated in chronic hemodialysis cases. Positive seroconversion rate was established 51% for 1 year, 75% for 2 years, 95% for 3 years and 100% for 4 years hemodialysis duration. There was only one negative seroconversion in patients having positive anti-HCV ab during a 4-year-follow-up period. It was established that duration of hemodialysis is a major risk factor for transmission of Hepatit C Virus.

As a result, we are of the opinion that, in the determination of transmission sites in hemodialysis centers. the establishment of annual seroconversion rate in long-term follow-up periods is of more realistic data instead of spot prevalence studies.